Man charged with disturbing peace at Camp Shelby

NEW AUGUSTA, Miss. - Officials say they have arrested the man they believe was making the sounds soldiers at Mississippi's Camp Shelby reported as gunshots Tuesday and Wednesday.

However, Perry County Sheriff Jimmy Dale Smith says Alfred Baria, 61, claims he can make his maroon Isuzu pickup backfire on command. Smith says officials are still questioning Baria about those claims and won't say whether authorities believe Baria was firing a gun or just backfiring.

Either way, Baria has been charged with four misdemeanor counts of disturbing the peace related to the noises. After authorities searched his house and found a rifle and a pistol, he was also charged as a felon illegally possessing guns. Smith says Baria was previously convicted on drug charges.

Smith says Baria will likely be appointed a lawyer Thursday at a bail hearing.